I am looking for an OTC pain killer such as Advil to take for back pain and occasional arthritis pain. I have just been prescribed Plavix.
Are there any acceptable pain killers to take while taking Plavix?
Question posted by patneal6 on 26 March 2012
Last updated on 18 October 2024
7 Answers
Hello All,
Just left my Heart Doctor’s office. I have had chronic lower back pain for years. Had a tiny stroke one year ago, since then I have been on Plavix. Every doctor we have visited has said not to take too much NSAIDs, maybe twice a week if pain got bad.
We mentioned today to the heart doctor about the NSAIDs for pain, which work but everyone says no. The heart doctor said Plavix is not a blood thinner it is a antiplatlet drug. It does not hurt the lining of the stomach much at all. So he said if you need it take it.
Thought I would spread the info.
Here is the info about Celebrex, which is a NSAID that helps me.
At usual dosages, Celebrex only minimally inhibits COX-1. COX-1 produces prostaglandins that activate platelets and protect the stomach and intestinal lining, so drugs that inhibit COX-1 cause more gastrointestinal side effects.
What medication can I take for pain if you are Plavix.
My Dr. lets me take Tramadol w/Plavix. Doesn't do squat for inflammation, though.
Ask about small dose prednisone
I'm on Plavix plus baby aspirin. I can take Tramadol or Norco (only 59, but moderate to sever osteoarthritis). During an arthritis flare-up, 1-4 Norco/day is enough to take the edge off the pain. I've tried Mobic, but it doesn't work as well. I had gastric bypass surgery, so normal NSAIDs are a no-no.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before mixing any kind of prescription, natural products and over the counter drugs. Better to be safe than sorry and even though you may feel fine does not mean you are not causing long term damage...
I must respectfully disagree with the other posters. Your only choice of OTC's is acetaminophen (Tylenol). You are not supposed to take any aspirin or NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen) with Plavix because of the increased risk for bleeding. Below is copied from manufacturer information:
While you are taking Plavix, do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor's advice. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others.
Sorry about that Dzoo, and just in time as my life's love is on plavix ... whew!
The Way Embarrassed Hippie,
Laura
Good, I'm glad it was info you can use! No reason to be embarrased! Drugs change and treatments change and it is hard to keep up on new ones if you dont have a hand in it every day! I teach this sort of thing all of the time so I try to stay well informed and do lots of research!
I appreciate your kindness and carng and up to date knowledge base.
The Out of Touch Hippie,
Laura
For pain relief while on Placid would include anything without aspirin in it. Try tylenol, ibuprofen, aleve ( naprosyn ) and I think you should be OK. I would recommend aleve as you only take it twice a day and relieves the pain of arthritis most wonderfully
Peace,
The Hippie
Hello Laura. Tad late but I found a few things that you might find to be of interest. I am going to send that of you that in a personal question in just a few minutes time.
Do not take Aleve or Naprosyn with plavix. It will increase the possibility of stomach bleeding.
A friend of mine also takes Plavix, and that's what she takes, Advil. It works for her with no side effects at all.
Advil interacts with Plavix. You need to let your friend know that she needs to talk to her Dr about using Advil with Plavix because the two together causes increased risk for bleeding. I copied some instructions regarding NSAIDS with Plavix below straight from the manufacturer. Your friend may not be having a problem yet but she is at much greater risk!
Related topics
advil, plavix, rheumatoid arthritis, pain, back pain, otc
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